Overview

In an exhilarating announcement that Broadway enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting, Jonathan Groff, fresh off his incredible Tony Award win for the revival of “Merrily We Roll Along,” is making his much-anticipated return to the stage as the legendary Bobby Darin in an innovative new biomusical titled “Just in Time.” This thrilling production is set to kick off previews on March 28 and officially open on April 23 at the intimate Circle in the Square Theater in Manhattan.

Theatrical Experience

“Just in Time” promises to deliver a unique theatrical experience, designed to evoke the ambiance of a lively nightclub. The show will feature a remarkable 16-person cast, an onstage big band, and an immersive layout that includes two performance stages and cabaret-style seating. This cutting-edge setting will allow audiences to feel like they are part of the action, reveling in the vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of Darin’s own dynamic career.

Development History

The show's journey began back in 2018 at the 92nd Street Y, where it started as a compact five-performance concert titled “The Bobby Darin Story.” Since then, Groff has been actively developing the project through a series of workshops, expressing his deep connection to Darin’s music. “It lit me up,” he shared, revealing the inspiring magic that performing live can evoke.

Bobby Darin's Legacy

Darin, known for iconic hits like “Splish Splash,” “Mack the Knife,” and “Beyond the Sea,” was a groundbreaking artist whose pop career soared in the 1950s and 1960s. Despite his meteoric rise to fame, Darin's life was marked by a personal tragedy; he lived with a heart condition that cut his life short at the age of just 37. “Dramatically, he’s really interesting because what do you do when your whole career is on borrowed time?” mused the show’s director, Alex Timbers, a Tony winner for “Moulin Rouge!” Timbers also highlighted the unexpected twists in Darin’s life, including discovering that a woman he believed was his sister was actually his mother.

Production Team

The colorful tapestry of Darin’s life is skillfully woven into the fabric of the production, with a book penned by Tony winner Warren Leight and Isaac Oliver. Choreography will be brought to life by Shannon Lewis. The original concept was developed by Ted Chapin, who crafted the initial script for the show as part of the renowned Lyrics & Lyricists series at the 92nd Street Y.

Innovative Approach

Groff shared the team’s excitement about the club-like format and their quest to push the boundaries of biomusicals. “We’re playing with the genre, trying to find our own unique point of view into not only his story but also the genre itself. There’s a bit of experimentation happening here,” he explained.

Conclusion

As anticipation builds for Groff's portrayal of Bobby Darin, theatergoers are sure to be captivated by the combination of talent and innovation that “Just in Time” promises. Will this biomusical redefine the genre? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Broadway is about to get a whole lot hotter! Stay tuned for updates and get ready to experience the magic of Bobby Darin like never before.